Spring 2026 Intern - Social Media

Welcome to The Shade Room

Where Black Culture Leads and the Content Always Delivers.

Founded in 2014, The Shade Room is one of the fastest-growing digital media brands in the game, leading the conversation on entertainment, news, politics, and real-life moments that shape and reflect Black culture. Millions of people come to TSR daily for what’s really happening, and we never miss.

With a lean, powerhouse team behind the scenes, we mix editorial instincts with social media expertise. We break stories, spark conversation, and keep our audience informed, engaged, and entertained 24/7.

We’re headquartered in Los Angeles but fully remote, which means we move fast, think big, and collaborate from wherever we are. Flexibility, creativity, and cultural authenticity are built into our DNA. Whether it's crafting viral headlines, covering breaking news, or celebrating Black excellence, we do it with purpose and style.

If you're driven, creative, and ready to be part of something that’s shifting the media landscape, you’ll feel right at home at The Shade Room.

Summary:

The Social Media Intern will support the Social Content team in creating, researching, and developing daily content that reflects and uplifts Black culture, entertainment, politics, and trending conversations. This internship is designed for someone eager to learn how a fast-paced, high-output entertainment news brand operates across major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Threads.

The intern will assist with content production, trend research, and creative brainstorming. This role is ideal for someone seeking hands-on experience in social media strategy, entertainment news/journalism, and digital storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with researching trending topics, conversations, and cultural moments relevant to The Shade Room audience.
• Draft short-form copy, headlines, and captions under guidance from senior editors.
• Support basic content production tasks including image gathering, asset prep, and packaging content for social platforms.
• Contribute fresh, creative ideas for engagement, reach, and new social media segments/trends.
• Participate in creative brainstorms and pitch ideas for exclusive, original, or nostalgia-inspired content.
• Assist in monitoring commentary and community engagement across TSR’s platforms in a professional and brand-aligned manner.
• Support the team in tracking competitors and flagging trending topics in real time.
• Provide production support such as sourcing background information, fact-checking, and research for developing posts or segments.
• Help organize and update content calendars, trackers, and planning documents.
• Aid in preparing weekly performance snapshots or insights for the social team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Spring 2026 TSR Internship Program:

• The Spring 2026 internship dates are March 9, 2026 to May 29, 2026.
• Applications close on February 6, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. We suggest you apply as soon as possible.
• To be considered for this internship, applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• The program welcomes candidates who are presently enrolled in a college or university, who have recently graduated, or who are pursuing new career paths, including those who are not currently enrolled in any academic program.
• Internships are paid and do not require course credit. If you would like course credit in addition to pay, we will be happy to assist with any necessary documentation.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interest in social media, pop culture, and news that centers Black audiences across the diaspora.
• Basic understanding of Instagram, TikTok, X, and Threads; and familiarity with current digital trends.
• Creative thinker with fresh ideas for storytelling, engagement, and content formats.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to adapt to TSR’s witty, conversational, and culturally aware tone.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment.
  Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn production processes.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with multiple team members.
• Ability to take direction, receive feedback, and grow.
• Interest in experimenting with new content styles, tools, and formats.
• Ability to work 24 hours per week.
• Although The Shade Room is a fully remote company, interns are required to work from Los Angeles, California. All housing arrangements and related expenses are the responsibility of the intern; The Shade Room does not provide or reimburse housing accommodations.
• Legal right to work in the US.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, English or a related field preferred but not required.
• Open to applicants pursuing new career paths, including those who are not currently enrolled in any academic program.
• Prior experience with social media content creation, newsrooms, campus media, or student publications is a bonus.
• Familiarity with tools such as Canva, CapCut, or similar is helpful but not required.
• Must have a working laptop and cellphone with internet connection.

Compensation

Hourly rate: $18.50

We’re a team that works smart, supports each other, and actually enjoys what we do. Does this sound like you? We might just be your next favorite place to work.